Residents of Pelayos de la Presa are struggling to communicate as a fire advances in the area. The lack of coverage affects several nearby municipalities, complicating evacuations.
The situation in Pelayos de la Presa is critical due to a fire that broke out after a vehicle fire on the M-501. Since Friday morning, communication problems have made it difficult for residents to contact their loved ones and receive information about the progress of the fire. Mobile lines are failing, leaving many unable to make calls or send messages.
David, a concerned resident, commented: "I have tried calling and messaging my friends who live there, but neither the calls nor the WhatsApps are getting through." This lack of connection not only affects Pelayos; the Community of Madrid reported incidents in 16 municipalities, including Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias.
Operators are working to restore service, but the causes are multiple: power cuts at antennas and damage to infrastructure are some reasons cited by experts. So far, only the deployment of a mobile unit in Cenicientos has been confirmed to help restore coverage.
Despite the imminent danger, some residents have decided to stay. Mercedes left her home after receiving evacuation orders, but others resist leaving their properties. "That area is supposed to be protected," said a neighbour worried about the dense smoke surrounding the urban area.
The fire has forced the evacuation of several urbanisations and activated ES-Alert warnings to inform citizens about the imminent danger. Firefighters and military personnel are working hard to control the flames; however, they have not yet managed to completely extinguish the fire.
Such fires are not new to the region. In 2021, another large fire ravaged nearby areas due to similar weather conditions: extreme dryness and strong winds favoured its rapid spread. Recent history shows how these events can severely impact both the environment and local communities.
As efforts continue to control the fire and restore communications, it is vital for residents to follow the safety instructions provided by local authorities. Emergency services are continuing to assess the situation while working to ensure public safety.
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